JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

The control costs of human brain dynamics

  • 0Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
Network Neuroscience (cambridge, Mass.) +

|

March 31, 2025

|

March 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The human brain manages energy by minimizing control costs during state transitions. This study introduces time-averaged control energy (TCE) to quantify brain control costs, linking them to metabolism and functional efficiency.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Network Science
  • Computational Biology

Background

  • The human brain's high energy demands necessitate efficient control mechanisms.
  • Understanding whole-brain control costs and their bioenergetic basis is crucial but underexplored.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To introduce and apply the concept of time-averaged control energy (TCE) to quantify brain control costs at rest.
  • To investigate the relationship between TCE, brain metabolism, and functional brain dynamics.

Main Methods

  • Utilized network control theory to define and calculate TCE.
  • Integrated functional MRI and diffusion MRI data for whole-brain analysis.
  • Correlated TCE with positron emission tomography (PET) measures of oxygen metabolism.

Main Results

  • TCE spatially correlates with brain oxygen metabolism, indicating a bioenergetic cost of control.
  • Brain state transitions are more efficient (lower TCE) and frequent within hierarchical groups than between them.
  • An inverse correlation exists between temporal control costs and state visit frequency, suggesting energy-efficient functional diversity.

Conclusions

  • Introduced TCE as a novel metric for quantifying the energetic cost of brain control.
  • Demonstrated a link between brain control costs, metabolism, and hierarchical organization.
  • Proposed a mechanism where the brain balances functional diversity and energy expenditure through efficient control strategies.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

Organization of the Brain 01:30

658

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

High-Level and Low-Level Awareness 01:19

230

Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation 01:13

1.4K

The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...